We all want to see a health service that delivers high quality services, and meets the needs and expectations of the thousands of people who depend on it every day. A truly responsive health service must seek, listen to and act upon the views and experiences of patients and the public. Only then will the needs of patients and communities be considered equally, alongside evidence of clinical effectiveness and value for money, in driving service improvements.
The Scottish Health Council has been set up to help improve the way that people are involved in decisions about health services. As well as being a champion for patient and public involvement in NHS Scotland, the Scottish Health Council will scrutinise local NHS Boards to ensure they are working with, and listening to, people in their community.
The Scottish Health Council is part of NHS Quality Improvement Scotland, an organisation established in 2003 to improve the quality of healthcare in Scotland. However, the Scottish Health Council has its own identity and responsibilities. The Council has a national office in Glasgow and has established local offices in each NHS Board area, where the majority of its staff are based. Members of the community are appointed to serve as voluntary members on a Local Advisory Council for each NHS Board area.